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Bubblers: What Are They And Why Use Them?

Bubblers are portable, single-piece devices that are ultimately water pipes. They allow for smoother hits, and there are many different types available.

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4 May 2018

Smoking cannabis can be an incredibly diverse experience, especially when you consider the vast array of strains available and the many different ways in which to smoke them. Rolling and lighting up a joint or stuffing a bong bowl full with dried flowers is quite standard procedure; however, there are rather more exotic vessels of choice when it comes to firing up the herb.

WHAT ARE BUBBLERS?

Bubblers are one such interesting and different way to smoke cannabis. A bubbler is a type of water pipe, and therefore falls into the category of the much more famous and widely utilised bong. Yet, bubblers are quite different in numerous ways, and have their own unique set of advantages that aren’t available when taking hits from a bong.

Much like the common bong, though, bubblers feature a mouthpiece, bowl, a stem, and a chamber that holds water in order for the smoke to travel through. This allows the smoke to become cooled in the process, contributing to a smooth and buttery hit. Some bubblers also contain a percolator, an additional water chamber that assists further in the cooling process. Some models also display carb holes that allow for a cleaner and faster clearing of smoke.

A bubbler can in some ways be viewed as a hybrid between a bong and a pipe. They are often much smaller, but fulfil a very similar function as bongs, with a shape similar to pipes.

So, knowing exactly what they are, why would a smoker elect to choose a bubbler as a cannabis delivery system? What do they posses that a bong or a pipe cannot provide? Let’s take a dive into both the advantages and disadvantages of choosing to use a bubbler as a primary way to smoke weed.

WHY USE A BUBBLER?

One reason to select a bubbler is because it fills the middle ground between pipes and bongs. These devices are portable and can be brought just about anywhere in a discreet fashion, without causing any commotion. Although, they should be handled with care, especially delicate glass models.

While pipes are fully portable and slightly more hardy, they don’t offer smokers the smooth and filtered hit of creamy smoke that has been processed within both a water chamber and a percolator. Bubblers can very much be viewed as portable bongs in this sense.

Another reason a smoker may choose to purchase a bubbler is because of the ornamental aesthetic, a factor that also leads to the obtainment of bongs. Yes, bubblers are an effective means of firing up some weed and getting high, but many models also look stunning to the eye. There are few better contributions to the setting of a smoke session than a gorgeously crafted bong, bubbler, or pipe, serving as the majestic and eye-catching centerpiece of a table.

THE DOWNSIDE OF BUBBLERS

One of the downsides to using a bubbler regards maintenance. Unlike some bongs, they cannot be taken apart due to the lack of different sections and parts. Many bubblers consist of only one whole glass unit. This makes the cleaning process slightly difficult. Cleaning is necessary to keep everything hygienic, operational, and looking the part.

The lack of removable parts has another downside; many bubblers cannot be modified or improved upon by adding new pieces and taking others away. This is something that bongs have an upperhand on. Bong rigs can be easily modified to suit the user’s preferences.

TYPES OF BUBBLERS

Various types of bubblers exist that all boast slightly different tweaks and perks. For example, hammer bubblers have chambers with flat bottoms, allowing them to be placed steadily upon a surface like many bongs.

Pendant bubblers are one of the most creative designs, and can be thread with a piece of string that allows them to be worn around the neck as both a piece of jewellery and a cannabis smoking device. This type of unit is perfect for musical events and camping trips.

Double bubblers offer some super smooth hits. They are equipped with two chambers that hold individual percolators. The smoke that comes out of the mouthpiece of these bubblers is both cool and silky smooth. Sherlock Bubblers are very similar to Sherlock pipes, and feature the same distinctive shape.